COMMENTARY: Diss Angers CBC Chair In Congressional Spat

Issa didn’t give Cummings a second look. His behavior was deplorable. In fact, it was so extreme that Rep. Marcia Fudge, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, is standing with Cummings and calling for Issa to be removed as chairman of his committee.

In a letter to House Speaker John Boehner, (R-Ohio), Fudge said the American people have the right to expect that their elected leaders be held to the highest possible standards of conduct.

“Congressman Darrell Issa of California abused his authority and therefore must be reprimanded to ensure the dignity of the House of Representatives is preserved,” Fudge wrote. “On behalf of the Congressional Black Caucus and the people we represent, I urge you to take immediate action to address the recent deplorable conduct of Oversight & Government Reform Committee Chairman Darrell Issa. Under the applicable Rules of the House, we strongly encourage you to take disciplinary action against Mr. Issa and force him to present himself before the American people on the House floor with an apology.”

“Mr. Issa is a disgrace and should not be allowed to continue in a leadership role,” she added. “We urge you to take prompt action to maintain the integrity of this body and remove Mr. Issa as chair of the Oversight & Government Reform Committee immediately.”

On Keeping it Real with Rev. Al Sharpton, a nationally-syndicated radio program, Fudge said Issa “disgraced and dishonored” the House of Representatives “and he should be held accountable.”

“His behavior was egregious,” Fudge said. “None of us want to work in an environment where we are not treated with respect.”

Rep. Fudge is right. Issa should be disciplined and he owes Cummings a public apology.